Gluing rubber to plastic is tricky because both materials are non-porous, which means the glue won’t be absorbed into the substrate’s surface.
Both of these materials are also flexible, which means you’ll want something that can create a strong, permanent bond while remaining flexible after the glue is completely cured.
What are the best glues for rubber to plastic? Super glue is usually your best bet when it comes to gluing rubber and plastic together. Depending on the type of rubber you have, you can also find other alternatives that will work as well.
In this article, you’ll find out more about different types of rubber and what kind of glue will work for bonding rubber to plastic.
What Type Of Adhesive Works With Rubber?
There are quite a few types of rubber and a few types of glue that will work with this material, so let’s talk about the different types of rubber that you can encounter in your project and the types of glue that will work best.
Types Of Rubber
When we mention rubber, it’s important to remember there are actually quite a few types of rubber. We encounter rubber everywhere in our daily life, but the type of rubber that’s used in your water hose may not be the same thing you see in your cookware, for example.
Each of these types will work with a particular type of adhesive, so when you’re trying to glue rubber, it’s helpful to know what type of rubber you are working with.
Below are the main types of rubber that you’ll often see in your home:
- Nitrile rubber is commonly used in the transportation of oils and gasoline. It can be characterized by resistance to swelling caused by various factors.
- Butyl rubber is a type of synthetic rubber that is known for its superior flexibility. It can be used for various components such as inner tubes, valve casings, and linings.
- Polyurethane rubber has excellent tear strength and durability. It is commonly used in molds.
- Natural rubber is produced from rubber plants, which produce latex. It can be used in various applications such as carpet backing, seals, and mounts.
- Although it’s not technically rubber, the characteristics of silicone rubber are similar to those of rubber, and it’s significantly more heat-resistant than rubber. It can be used in various applications such as building materials, coatings, and automotive components.
- Ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM Rubber) is a very strong and weather-resistant rubber that’s commonly used in demanding applications like automotive and other industries.
Types Of Glue For Rubber
What type of glue will work for rubber? Since most types of rubber are non-porous, flexible, and smooth, not every type of glue will do. Below are some types of glue that will work with rubber.
Cyanoacrylate Adhesive
You may know cyanoacrylate as super glue or Krazy glue, and it’s a very accessible type of glue that will work with almost every type of rubber.
Cyanoacrylate is a type of acrylic adhesive that is produced by converting an acrylic monomer into a plastic state after it is cured. It can be very strong and rigid when it’s cured, and the presence of moisture can be a catalyst for curing.
If you’ve worked with superglue, you know that this type of glue can start to set almost instantly after it’s out of adhesive. This type of adhesive is ideal for fast assembly lines as it can be used to bond various materials in just a couple of minutes.
However, if you want more time to work with your bond, or if you want to use a spray application, super glue simply won’t work because of its fast setting time.
If the superglue is not working, you may be working with natural or EPDM rubber. In that case, you will need to use a cyanoacrylate that’s designed for difficult-to-bond materials. Fortunately, there are superglue formulas that are designed to work with these difficult substrates.
Silicone-Based Adhesive
Silicone-based adhesives are – you guessed it – perfect for silicone rubber. This is a kind of durable, heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and moisture-resistant type of adhesive that remains flexible after it’s cured.
As a result, silicone adhesives are commonly used for demanding industrial applications. Thanks to the development of advanced technology, the use of silicone-based adhesives has increased significantly, and they’re now more common for household use.
There are several variations of silicone-based adhesives. You can get two-part silicone adhesives, which work similarly to epoxy. One-part silicone adhesives are also available and require no mixing.
You can also get UV-cured silicone adhesives, which gives you more time to set the bond as the silicone will only start curing when it is exposed to UV light. These are great for sensitive surfaces where it’s difficult to apply heat or pressure.
Epoxy
Epoxy adhesives are commonly used to bond various difficult materials, including EPDM rubber. Two-part epoxies require mixing to be activated so they are more stable and have a longer shelf life.
One of the main advantages of epoxy is that they give you more time to work with the bond. Compared to superglue which sets within seconds, two-part epoxies will give you plenty of time to align and adjust the bond before the adhesive is set.
This type of adhesive also has good resistance against harsh environmental conditions, especially when met with extreme moisture. While super glue is more convenient to use, epoxies are still worth it for working with difficult materials, such as EPDM.
Gluing Rubber And Other Substrates
When it comes to bonding two different materials together, it can be challenging, but when it comes to doing so with rubber, the challenge can become even harder. Aside from the properties of the rubber, you also need to consider the substrate that you’re trying to bond to.
When it comes to gluing rubber and plastic, the most popular choice – superglue – only works with certain types of plastic. Superglue can eat through thinner plastics, so you should investigate whether the type of plastic that you have will work with superglue.
An epoxy adhesive is often the best choice when it comes to working with multiple surfaces. While epoxies are not ideal for bonding rubber together, they can be used to bond rubber to plastic and other substrates like metal and plastic.
Silicone adhesives can also work, especially if you need a quick fix and are working with silicone rubber.
Best Glues For Rubber To Plastic
What are the best glues for rubber to plastic? If you are in a hurry, superglue is always a dependable choice. However, if superglue sets too fast for your project, you can also try silicone glue or epoxy adhesives, which will give you more time to set the bond.
Below are some great options on the market.
| Rank | Product | Glue Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue | Superglue |
| 2. | Scotch Super Glue Gel | Superglue |
| 3. | Krazy Glue | Superglue |
| 4. | CECCORP Cyanoacrylate Super Glue Adhesive C-Bond | Superglue |
| 5. | J-B Weld All-Purpose RTV Silicone Sealant And Adhesive | Silicone Glue |
| 6. | GE Sealants & Adhesives | Silicone Glue |
| 7. | 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive | Epoxy |
1. Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue
Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue delivers a smooth flow and fast set that is ideal for bonding rubber to plastic.
Designed to provide full flow control, the precision dispensing tip allows you to apply super glue with pinpoint accuracy. With reinforced impact toughness, this formula is great for use in high-stress areas.
This is a high-performance adhesive that works well with both rubber and suitable plastics.
It dries clear and sets quickly in just a few seconds without requiring any clamping, making it ideal for model building and craft applications.
2. Scotch Super Glue Gel
The Scotch Super Glue Gel’s innovative formula allows it to set in as little as 30 seconds. This strong, fast-drying gel glue is perfect for a wide range of household and craft projects.
The super-fast drying, no run gel formula creates a strong bond in just seconds. This versatile adhesive is perfect for bonding rubber to plastic, as well as a variety of materials, including ceramics, leather, and wood.
The precision applicator allows you to control the amount of glue that comes out of the tube, creating a smooth finish with a beautiful level of transparency.
If you are working with natural rubber or EPDM rubber, the Scotch brand also offers a high-performance super glue that will also work quite well with these tricky materials.
3. Krazy Glue
Krazy Glue is so popular as a superglue that the brand name has become synonymous with superglue!
This product from Krazy Glue is an easy-to-use, brush-on superglue that comes with the brush attached to the bottle.
The brush stays fresh in the bottle and doesn’t clog, providing excellent coverage and a fast bond.
The brush-on applicator also provides excellent surface coverage and dries clear, while the glue sets in seconds. Krazy Glue dries extremely strong, creating a durable bond for various applications.
Krazy Glue has thousands of uses around the house, including bonding rubber to plastic. You can also use it to repair toys, crafts projects, and household items.
4. Cyanoacrylate Super Glue Adhesive C-Bond by CECCORP
C-Bond is a cyanoacrylate glue from CECCORP that is designed for bonding all kinds of plastic with rubber.
It comes in a high viscosity consistency, which is perfect for filling large gaps and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Unlike standard cyanoacrylate glue, C-Bond has high torque and impact strength that allows it to be used as an adhesive as well as an assembly aid.
This is a super glue that is engineered with performance in mind, utilizing advanced technology and proprietary additives to create adhesives with superior characteristics that are suitable for stubborn rubbers, even natural rubber or EPDM rubber.
5. J-B Weld All-Purpose RTV Silicone Sealant And Adhesive
J-B Weld’s All-Purpose RTV Silicone Adhesive can be used to bond silicone rubber to plastic, wood, and metal.
Silicone adhesives are known for forming a strong and durable bond. It also has high tensile strength, which means it can be used for heavy-duty applications while still giving a great result.
This adhesive will not shrink or crack, even when exposed to high heat conditions of up to 2000°F, which makes it suitable in even the most demanding environments.
In addition, the bond will remain flexible after it’s cured, which makes it suitable for bonding rubber to plastic where flexibility is required.
6. GE Sealants & Adhesives
The GE Sealant & Adhesive is a versatile, high-performance, 100% waterproof silicone adhesive that’s perfect for working with silicone rubber.
In addition to the many advantages that silicone adhesives offer, including flexibility and tensile strength, this adhesive from GE is also 100% waterproof – it can be ready for any kind of water after just 30 minutes of curing.
The silicone adhesive can also resist stain-causing mold and mildew growth. This adhesive is crack-proof and shrink-proof and can be used on a variety of surfaces, but it’s the perfect solution to bond silicone rubber with plastic.
7. 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive
3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive is an easy-to-use, fast-curing one-part epoxy adhesive.
It can form a strong and durable bond that remains flexible after it is fully cured, meaning it’s perfect for bonding dissimilar substrates like rubber and plastic.
This versatile adhesive has very good high shear and peels strength. When cured, it has a flexible bond that won’t crack or break under vibration or impact.
This epoxy adhesive is also quite convenient in that there’s no mixing required. It sets within 4 minutes after applying and can become fully cured after only 20 minutes.
This is a huge advantage over traditional epoxy and can become a reliable staple when it comes to bonding difficult materials like rubber and plastic.
Tips For Bonding Rubber To Plastic
Since both rubber and plastic are difficult materials to bond, here are some tips to help make the process easier.
Prepare Both Materials Well
Proper preparation of your materials is the first step to creating a successful bond. If there’s any dust, grease, or oil on the surface of your materials, the adhesive simply won’t work, no matter how strong it is.
Before you start applying the glue, it’s important to thoroughly clean your surfaces with a degreaser to remove any grease on the surface. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol will also help remove various processing oils and additives, as well as dirt on the surface.
You should only start applying the adhesive once both surfaces are clean of any dirt or grease.
Use A Primer
For difficult-to-bond materials such as rubber and plastic, you should use a primer before applying your adhesives. This step is particularly useful if your application is quite demanding, and you need the bond to be resistant to impact as well as moisture and heat.
A primer is a type of chemical bridge that helps improve the bond between the rubber and the substrate. This step is recommended if you have silicone rubber, natural rubber, or EPDM rubber.
Test The Plastic
If you are using superglue, you should know that it doesn’t work for every type of plastic. Thinner plastics will melt when it is met with superglue.
If you are unsure, you can test the superglue on a small piece of plastic first to see if it is safe to use. Otherwise, you will have to opt for another type of adhesive.
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